Avoiding Drain Problems During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is no doubt a time to be merry and jolly, but it’s also the season where plumbing problems can be at their peak. With the influx of house guests and an increase in kitchen activity, drains are often tested beyond their limits. To make sure your festivities remain joyful and stress-free, it’s important to take preventive measures against common drain issues. As the trusted local plumber in Northridge, CA, Roberts Plumbing Hydro Jet & Rooter shares a few tips to save you from unwelcome surprises and keep plumbing mishaps out of your holiday plans.

Be Careful with What You Put Down the Drain

One of the biggest culprits for holiday drain troubles is food waste. During meal prep, grease, fats, and food scraps often find their way into the kitchen sink. While it may seem convenient to wash them down the drain, these materials can solidify and cause clogs. Dispose of grease and oil in a container and throw food scraps in the trash or compost bin. Using a sink strainer can also help keep large pieces of food from slipping down the drain.

Space Out Water Usage

Holiday gatherings often mean frequent use of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, which can put additional pressure on your plumbing system. If possible, try to space out the use of water-heavy appliances throughout the day rather than running them all at once. This can reduce the chance of overwhelming your drains and causing backups.

Use the Garbage Disposal Properly

During the holidays, it’s tempting to shove leftovers down the garbage disposal just to get rid of them quickly. However, certain foods like fibrous vegetables, eggshells, and potato peels can damage the disposal blades and cause clogs. Be mindful of what you put down the garbage disposal, and run it with plenty of water before, during, and after use to help flush debris.

For added protection, you can also pour a cup of vinegar and some baking soda down the disposal followed by hot water to help clean and deodorize it.

Avoid Overloading the Bathroom Drains

Hosting guests overnight or for a few days? This inevitably means more people using the bathroom, which can put a strain on your plumbing. Increased shower usage can lead to soap scum and hair buildup, significantly clogging the bathroom drains. It’s practical to invest in hair traps and drain stoppers to catch debris and prevent it from getting into the pipes. Make sure to clean these regularly to avoid them from becoming clogged themselves.

The toilet should also be used for its intended purpose only. Avoid flushing paper towels, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products, and other non-flushable items to prevent blockages and backups that would require professional plumbing services. (Remind guests to do the same.) Keep a small trash bin in the bathroom for these items instead.

Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection

It’s never a bad decision to have your plumbing system checked before the busy season. A professional plumber can detect potential issues and recommend necessary plumbing repairs or maintenance ahead of time. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your plumbing is in good condition and ready to handle the holiday rush.

Have a Plumber’s Contact Information Ready

Despite your best efforts, there are instances where drain problems are simply unavoidable. You should have the contact information of a reliable plumbing company on hand to make sure you can quickly get help when needed. It’s best to have a plumber you trust and have worked with before, as they will already be familiar with your plumbing system and can provide efficient solutions.

Keep Your Drains Trouble-Free This Holiday Season

Roberts Plumbing Hydro Jet & Rooter is always only a call away whenever you need professional assistance in keeping your drains in top shape. We hope these tips will help you avoid drain problems during the holidays, but if an issue does arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have been providing top-notch plumbing services for 25 years and are dedicated to keeping your home running smoothly all year round. Call us today or fill out our online form to learn more.